What we do

Ruth Singer is a textile designer-maker specialising in hand-embellished accessories and clothing, which are all made by hand in her Leicester studio from eco and vintage fabrics.

She makes one-off accessories to order using your own fabrics (such as wedding dress leftovers) or carefully-selected vintage fabrics or the finest organic cottons and silks.

Ruth can make most accessories including bags and purses for bride and bridesmaids, stoles, shawls and scarves, quirky and original collars, neckpieces and fabric boas if you want to stand out from the crowd. She also makes fabric flowers for bouquets, table centres and corsages as well as other textile jewellery such as cuffs, hair decorations and hat-trimmings. You can even request one-off garters and veils.

If you are looking for a non-traditional bespoke wedding dress or other clothes using sustainable fabrics and designs inspired by historical costume, Ruth can design and create these for you.

An existing second-hand or vintage dress can also be transformed into something completely unique by restyling it to suit a modern look as well as customising and embellishing a plain dress with applique, embroidery, fabric flowers, pleating, ruffles or frills.

Ruth is happy to incorporate your treasured fabrics or heirloom pieces where possible, such as a family wedding dress or christening gowns.

Small decorative items are also available including ring pillows, cushions and book covers as well as large scale pieces for customising interiors including hangings and tablecloths.

Ethical action

Ruth works mainly in sustainable fabrics such as hemp and organic cotton, and with vintage and recycled materials. She makes all the work herself with minimal use of technology and machinery.

Most print materials are produced on recycled paper. Recycled packaging is used wherever possible, and very little plastic is used.

Ruth's practice is resource-efficient with waste fabric scraps being re-used as stuffing or for educational workshops.

In order to attend trade shows and other events, Ruth has to drive. She has committed to offsetting her car's carbon emissions and uses the car as little as possible. She takes her bike whenever she can!

Awards & Recommendations

• In 2006, Ruth was selected by the Crafts Council as one of the best new makers of the year for Springboard at Origin, the prestigious new show for contemporary crafts.


• In 2007 Ruth designed a range of handmade eco accessories for Enamore and is currently working on bespoke interiors fabrics. She has exhibited widely in the UK and overseas including Origin 2007, the Crafts Council’s selection of the “most innovative and international designer-makers”.

A few ways we're trying to make a difference

Recycling

Using recycled fabrics and recycling my own waste materials via running workshops and donations to scrap stores for re-use. I re-use packaging wherever possible and use mainly recycled card and paper.

Reducing carbon footprint

Car mileage is offset.  Also cycling whenever possible!

Using organic products

Using organic and low-impact fabrics where possible.

Supporting fair trade

I buy organic fair trade cotton.

Supporting / working with a community / social project

I run many educational and community workshops.

Other things we do

I specialise in using vintage and recycled fabrics and in reviving second-hand or vintage clothes to make something new and unique.